move things forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move things forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action where progress is being made on a particular matter. Example Sentence: Our team is working hard to move things forward on the new project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anything to move things forward.

The New York Times

But you can move things forward.

The New Yorker

"It helps to move things forward.

The New York Times - Tech

"That's what's really going to move things forward," he added.

The Guardian

"To be avant-garde is to move things forward.

The New York Times

"We are hoping that this will move things forward.

The New York Times

"We have a plan to move things forward.

The Guardian

She wasn't able to focus, to move things forward, or to control situations.

The New Yorker

To move things forward, Mr. Obama will have to do a lot more.

The New York Times

To move things forward, Mrs. Samuels persuaded Mrs. Wiley to accept a little help.

The New York Times

"They don't seem to have the political will to move things forward".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move things forward" to convey the idea of making progress on a project, initiative, or discussion. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "move things forward" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. Consider using more precise alternatives like "advance the project" or "accelerate progress" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move things forward" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of making progress or advancing a particular matter. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move things forward" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the idea of making progress. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various contexts. While common in news, media, and general communication, it's essential to use it judiciously in formal writing, opting for more precise alternatives when appropriate. Related phrases like "advance progress" or "accelerate development" can provide nuanced variations. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired level of formality and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance progress

Focuses on the general concept of making headway, without specifying what is being advanced.

accelerate development

Highlights speeding up the process of growth or improvement.

facilitate advancement

Emphasizes making it easier for something to progress.

promote development

Suggests actively encouraging growth or progress.

propel onward

Implies a strong force driving something forward.

drive forward

Highlights the effort and determination involved in making progress.

push ahead

Suggests overcoming obstacles to continue progress.

further the agenda

Implies advancing a specific plan or set of goals.

make headway

Refers to making noticeable progress, often in a challenging situation.

gain ground

Indicates making progress in a competitive or difficult environment.

FAQs

What does "move things forward" mean?

The phrase "move things forward" means to make progress, advance, or help something develop and improve.

How can I use "move things forward" in a sentence?

You can use "move things forward" to describe actions that contribute to progress. For example, "The new strategy will help us "move things forward" on our key objectives."

What can I say instead of "move things forward"?

You can use alternatives like "advance progress", "accelerate development", or "make headway" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "move things forward" in a formal context?

Yes, but use it judiciously. In highly formal settings, consider more precise synonyms like "advance the project" or "facilitate advancement" for better clarity.